After being poisoned by mushrooms, all the strange creatures became fascinated by me.

"Jie Bailing".

The young master of the Iron Calculation Sect sat by the window, looking out. For some reason, he felt uneasy.

Tang Li... judging by the time, she should have entered the city by now, right?

"What are you worried about?" a calm voice rang out. "Come and have some tea."

Nan Tan was sitting at the tea table. Many players develop a habit of drinking tea after entering the ancient dungeon, but judging from his smooth and flowing movements, it was clear that it was a genuine love for tea and not just a affectation.

Fang Yingjie sighed and walked over.

"Tang Li is someone who can get along with everyone," Nan Tan said casually, as if he were comforting Fang Yingjie, or simply stating the facts. "The more chaotic the situation and the more forces are involved, the more she will thrive."

"Now, all she needs to do is sow discord between NPCs and players, first making the NPCs mistakenly believe that she has powerful backers, instigating them to change their targets; then she can directly reveal her identity to the players, informing them that an NPC is preparing to attack them."

"—In this way, by letting the two groups of people who originally intended to attack her fight each other first, she can escape unscathed."

It turned out that what he had predicted was exactly what Tang Li had done.

Fang Yingjie took a sip of the slightly hot tea, gazing intently at the yellowish leaves bobbing up and down in the clear, hot liquid, before finally speaking.

"I'm not... worried about Tang Li's safety." He knew Tang Li's abilities.

Fang Yingjie looked up at Nan Tan. "But I'm worried about what she saw..."

I fear this world is as filthy, bloody, and cruel as you've warned. I fear she'll watch it all unfold before her eyes. And Tang Li…

If others would be cowardly, fearful, hesitant, or flee at this moment.

And Tang Li... she'll go crazy.

Snow fills the tower.

When the three people swaggered in through the door, the entire Xuemanlou fell silent.

Only on the stage in the center of the hall, the lingering sounds of string and wind instruments still echoed among the silent crowd.

Tang Li thought somewhat absentmindedly: Rather than watching the excitement, we seem to be here to cause trouble.

A guard had already relayed the message inside, and the quick-witted steward rushed over, bowing and scraping as he said, "You esteemed gentlemen's presence truly honors Xue Man Lou. May I ask your honorable names...?"

Who is this important figure from which sect or school of thought, that he would grace us with his presence here?

"No need to ask," the woman's voice was gentle, with a slightly hoarse tone, which turned cold at the end. "My young master is just curious and came to take a look. You may proceed as usual."

So that's how it is. It was just a momentary curiosity on the part of the important person, and this is the best outcome.

The manager subtly suppressed a shiver, then looked up and smiled, "I understand! The 'main course' hasn't been served yet. Would you honored guests like to rest in a private room first, or would you prefer I accompany you on a stroll?"

The woman remained silent, clearly waiting for the little one on the man's shoulder to make a decision.

A light, clear child's voice rang out: "No need for any more arrangements, step back, we will look around on our own."

The steward acted with utmost respect and deference, bowing and scraping as he took his leave, but his slightly unsteady steps as he retreated betrayed his panic. He turned around, took a few steps to escape the sight of those behind him, and only then dared to raise his hand to wipe the cold sweat from his brow with his sleeve.

Damn! I've really seen something today, a guest with such an impressive background has arrived!

A young master of this age, a man whose mere sight sends shivers down your spine, and a woman whose light footsteps scream assassin… how could such a group possibly belong to any reputable sect in the martial arts world? This is clearly the young master of an evil cult out for a stroll!

These people are notoriously capricious... Even though Xue Man Lou has "Jie Bai Ling" backing them, what are the lives of these menial servants worth? If they really provoke a cult and get stabbed in, how could "Jie Bai Ling" possibly seek justice for them?

We must serve them well! We must make sure our distinguished guests have a great time! And if we want to curry favor with the cult members… The manager casually pulled over a waiter and whispered a few words in his ear.

Meanwhile, Tang Li was being led around aimlessly by Lian Shi.

"Little Tang Li," Lian Sheng said softly, walking beside them, seemingly noticing Tang Li's unease, "Although you believe Lian Shi is... you know, compared to Han Zhou, who was born into an unapproachable position in 'Jiebailing,' our Lian Shi has far more experience in this kind of place."

"Really?" Tang Li murmured. "Are you familiar with a place like this?"

"So..." she pointed in a direction, her voice barely a whisper, "what are they doing over there?"

Lian Shi followed her hand and looked in that direction.

A piece of white leather lay flat on a wooden board, with faint traces of stubble still visible on it.

"...Painting on people's scalps," Lian Shi said calmly. "The dye used is derived from a special mineral, which is said to last for a thousand years without fading. For these people, it is a very fine work of art."

Yes, Tang Li turned her head away. It would be even better if the skin wasn't peeled off a person's head while they were still alive.

"...What about over there?" she asked softly.

"Human oil candles," he said. "Those with pictures of ladies carved on them are made from the human oil of beautiful women. Some people buy them and like to light them on their wedding night."

"The bow... the bowstring is the sinew of a person."

"Human teeth, I need not say more."

Lian Shi led Tang Li around a stall full of teeth, which varied in size and clearly represented different age groups. He introduced the teeth to her as they walked, seemingly oblivious to her tightening grip on her hands.

Suddenly, a strange fragrance wafted into her nostrils, and Tang Li realized with a start that she was starving.

She pursed her lips tightly, unwilling to ask, feeling both hungry and nauseous.

Lian Shi, however, was already looking over there. White chunks of meat were floating and sinking in a large iron pot. On one side of the pot were bottles of minced garlic and vinegar, as well as dipping sauces and oil dishes. There were also rows of exquisite food boxes, filled with all sorts of different kinds of food.

"You guessed right." He answered the question Tang Li had been reluctant to ask. "What could possibly be here is human flesh. Oh, look, there's even human flesh jelly over there. I heard that eating it can prolong your life."

The pungent aroma immediately acted as a catalyst, causing Tang Li to involuntarily clutch Lian Shi's hair. She couldn't control her nausea and was on the verge of vomiting. Lian Sheng quickly stuffed an extremely sour dried plum into her mouth.

"Alright, we won't go any further," Lian Sheng reassured her. "If... we can leave immediately."

Tang Li closed her eyes.

"No need." Her voice carried both icy resolve and a boiling rage beneath. "I haven't..."

"I haven't fully broadened my horizons."